How to Find Scholarships for First Generation College Students?

I'm the first in my family to attend college, and I'm looking for scholarships specifically for first generation college students. Any suggestions on where to start or resources that could help me find these opportunities?

Absolutely, there are certainly resources out there to help first-generation college students find scholarships!

A good starting point would be to check with your school's counselor or financial aid office. They may have information about specific scholarships for first-generation students that are directly offered by your school or through external organizations.

You can also utilize scholarship search websites. A site like Appily (formerly known as Cappex), for instance, allows you to set different filters based on your individual characteristics such as first-generation status to refine scholarship search results and find those most relevant to you.

Another great place to research is college financial aid offices. Many colleges and universities have scholarships specifically for first generation college students. For example, some Ivy League schools offer significant financial aid to students who are the first in their family to attend college.

Your community might also be resourceful! Local organizations, clubs, or businesses often sponsor scholarships, and you'll usually face less competition than you might with larger, national scholarships.

One specific scholarship you may want to look into is the "I'm First! Scholarship" offered by Strive for College. They offer a $2,000 renewable scholarship specifically for first-generation college students.

Remember to be thorough in your research and apply to as many scholarships as you’re eligible for. It’s a numbers game, and the more you apply for, the higher your chances are of winning some.

Good luck with your college journey!